Jaguar News
Volume 3, Issue 2 - August 23, 2019
A lot of students go to Instagram and Snapchat to message their friends. Parents feel their students are safe because their device is only connected to WIFi.
But what if your student wants to participate in a group text/SMS chat and doesn't have a number yet? Or, how might they hide texts from you (their parent)?
The TextNow app is one of the latest (of many) apps that students are using to hide behavior from their parents. This app turns any WIFI connected device into a phone with its own phone number, even if their device doesn't have a phone plan.
Users can add the app to any of their devices, which means if someone calls or messages their TextNow phone number, they can chat on the computer, on a tablet, or on a cellphone.
Additionally, users can use the TextNow app to make domestic and international phone calls.
We want to bring to this attention because with this app students may feel like they can hide their activity from their parents when using the app because their messages and phone calls don't show up on their phone bill. This can promote negative behavior.
We suggest you teach your child to avoid using apps like TextNow and encourage them to use the built in text messaging and phone call features within their phone. Talk to your children about monitoring their cell phone activity and remind them that you will be checking in on them, even if they use apps like TextNow to hide their behavior
It’s important for your children to know that they can always come and talk to you if a stranger tries to contact them or they experience something that makes them uncomfortable!
The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet- Tech Applications
Athletic Passes
Media Center Minute
All 7th and 8th Grade students received their iPads this week. If your student is having difficulty connecting at home, please know that it is a 2-step process. The first step involves connecting to your home WIFI. The 2nd step is connecting to the CPS iBoss Filter. In order to do that, your student will need to click on Safari, and then the Google icon in order to get the sign-in box. For more specific directions, see the attachment to this newsletter.
All iPads issued this week will need to have their iOS updated via the Settings App on their iPad. Please remind your student to update at home this weekend in order to keep their iPad running efficiently at school.
PTSA Important Information
Hi GMS Parents & Families. We would like to thank everyone who came out to our first PTSA meeting of the 2019-20 school year this past Wednesday. It was wonderful to see so many parents wanting to get involved here at Gentry. If you were unable to make it, no worries... It's never too late to join PTSA and make a meeting. We will be meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6pm in the Media Center. Hope to see you at the next one.
-We would love for you to join PTSA, if you have not already done so. We are attaching the membership form here. By joining, you will be notified of various PTSA sponsored events throughout the year that will allow you to stay involved in your student's educational experience while at GMS. A portion of the membership dues also go straight back to our classrooms for teacher support throughout the year.
-By now, your student should have brought home our annual Otis Spunkmeyer fundraising packet. This fundraiser is incredibly important to our school as it enables our PTSA to support various activities throughout the year. (Including but not limited to: field trips, teacher grants each semester, concession stand, support of clubs/student organizations, teacher & staff appreciation throughout the year, etc.) If your family does not participate in fundraising, no problem. We ask that you consider making a donation instead. You can do so by sending it in with your student anytime before 9/4/19. This also happens to be the collection date for all fundraising packets. We THANK YOU in advance for supporting GMS and our students!
-Our online spiritwear store is up and running! This is the only time we are planning to have the store open, so if your student, (or you), would like to show some school spirit throughout the year, this is your chance. The link to that site is HERE
The online store will be open through Monday, 9/2/19. Get your "Jag Swag" before it's too late!
Jaguar Sound Show Choir
Jaguar Sound Show Choir – We dance, we sing, we travel and we compete! This Show Choir is open to students in all grades! Auditions will be held on September 3rd and 5th from 2:35- 4:00 pm in the choir Room (Annex N). Students are encouraged to attend BOTH audition days; however, only 1 is required. Students auditioning must complete and return the information/participation packet (found in the main office or choir room) to Ms. Lenz on or before auditioning. No solo singing or prepared dance is required. If selected, rehearsals will be every Thursday after school. Show Choir is a year-long, team commitment. Questions? Contact Darla Lenz at dlenz@cpsk12.org
Risks of Vaping
Please, take a couple of minutes to read this Health Advisory that was just posted this week about vaping. This seems to be a growing problem with our teens!
https://health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/alertsadvisories/pdf/advisory82019.pdf
2019/20 GMS Grade Level Lunch Schedule
6th Grade- 10:50-11:15 a.m.
8th Grade- 11:40-12:05 p.m.
7th Grade- 12:30-12:55 p.m.
Advisory Lessons for August 26-30
During the week of August 26-30, Gentry students will continue to get acquainted with one another, the building and their new school routines. For the next several weeks students will also continue to review our building wide PBIS material and work on Digital Citizenship which emphasizes digital responsibly. We will also be presenting information to students on upcoming after-school offerings (clubs, organizations and athletics) that students can be a part of here at Gentry Middle School.
Tennis Play Day
Rock Bridge Tennis Coach Ben Loeb will be having a tennis play day for 6th and 7th graders on Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 2:45 - 3:50 p.m. at the Bethel Park Tennis Courts.
The session is for those kids that know how to rally the ball as it includes competitive play. For more information on these type of sessions or on tennis instruction in Columbia, contact Coach Loeb at bloeb@cpsk12.org
Labor Day
Bike Riders
EF (Education First) Tours- Explore America
Attention all current 7th and 8th grade students who are interested in travel, adventure and fun! For the summer of 2020, students will have the chance of a lifetime: a trip to Boston and New York City! Experience the magic of seeing history come alive through the streets where the American Revolution was born. See the sights and hear the sounds of one of America’s largest and most diverse cities all while exploring new and exciting places in the world. Ms. Noltie and Mr. Aulgur (from the 8th grade team) will be chaperoning this trip, and any current 7th or 8th grade students are welcome to join them. We will be having an informational meeting in the Gentry Media Center from 6:00-7:00 pm on August 28th. All those who are interested should follow this link to RSVP for the meeting so we are able to plan for numbers: RSVP Link.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Noltie and Mr. Aulgur at NYC.Boston2020@gmail.com.
**This is NOT a Gentry or CPS sponsored event, but is organized through the EF Tours organization**
Box Tops and Beverage Pull Tabs
We wanted parents to know that Gentry DOES collect Box Tops for Education and beverage pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Each year the Box Tops that are collected have allowed us to purchase much needed educational equipment and supplies that we would not otherwise have had the chance to purchase if not for the funds received from this program.
Additionally, the pull tabs that are collected go to help support Ronald McDonald House Charities which is an American independent nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. Both Box Tops and beverage pull tabs can be dropped off any time in the main office. Thanks for your support!
Columbia Junior Cotillion
Plans are underway for a wonderful cotillion program for Columbia's 8th graders. Attached is a preliminary flyer with registration information and scheduled dates. Please, see attachment.
Contact info:
Marcie Elfrink
573-999-7453
Looking Ahead (August 26 -September 1)
Please see listed below the clubs and/or activities along with their locations that are occurring at Gentry Middle School for the upcoming week. Please know that activities are subject to occasional last minute changes. Feel free to contact the main office at 214-3240 or visit our website if you have any further questions.
Monday, August 26: (B Day)
2:35-4:00 pm- Cheer Practice/Up Commons
2:35-4:30 pm- 7th/8th Cross Country Practice/Annex C and Outside
2:35-5:00 pm- 7th/8th Volleyball Practice and Study Sessions/Gym
2:35-5:30 pm- 8th Football Practice/Shed and Field
2:35-4:00 pm- Fall Play Rehearsal/Stage
2:35-4:00 pm- 6th Glee Choir/Annex N
Tuesday, August 27: (A Day)
2:35-4:00 pm- 7th/8th Cheer Practice/Up Commons
2:35-4:30 pm- 7th/8th Cross Country Practice/Annex C and Outside
2:35-5:00 pm- 7th/8th VB Practice and Study Sessions/Gym
2:35-5:30 pm- 8th Grade Football Practice/Shed and Field
2:35-4:00 pm- Fall Play Rehearsal/Stage
Wednesday, August 28: (B Day)
2:35-4:00 pm- 7th/8th Cheer Practice/Up Commons
2:35-4:30 pm- 7th/8th Cross Country Practice/Annex C and Outside
2:35-5:00 pm- 7th/8th VB Practice and Study Sessions/Gym
2:35-5:30 pm- 8th Grade Football Practice/Shed and Field
2:35-4:00 pm- Fall Play Rehearsal/Stage
6:00-7:00 pm- EF Tour Parent Meeting/Media Center
Thursday, August 29: (A Day)
2:35-4:00 pm- 7th/8th Cheer Practice/Up Commons
2:35-4:30 pm- 7th/8th Cross Country Practice/Annex C and Outside
2:35-5:00 pm- 7th/8th Volleyball Practice and Study Sessions/Gym
2:35-5:30 pm- 8th Grade Football Practice/Shed and Field
2:35-4:00 pm- Fall Play Rehearsal/Stage
Friday, August 30: (B Day)
2:35-4:30 pm- 7th/8th Cross Country Practice/Annex C and Outside
2:35-5:00 pm- 7th/8th VB Practice and Study Sessions/Gym
2:35-5:30 pm- 8th Football Practice/Shed and Field
Saturday, August 31:
8:00 am- 12:00 pm- Fall Play Tech Work Day/Cafe and Stage
10:00 am- 7th/8th Cross Country Practice/MKT Trail Run (Scott Trailhead)
Sunday, September 1:
There are no activities scheduled for today.
Future Dates to Remember
9/2/19- No School – Labor Day
9/3/19- Fall Athletics Team and Individual Photo Day
9/4/19 - Otis Spunkmeyer Fundraiser Orders Due
9/18/19- PTSA Meeting @ 6:00 pm in the Media Center
9/26/19- Picture Re-Take Day & New Student Photo Day
9/30/19- School Not in Session Due to a Teacher Work Day
Dr. Fairouz Bishara
Email: fbishara@cpsk12.org
Website: https://www.cpsk12.org/Domain/17
Phone: (573) 214-3240
Twitter: @FairouzBishara